Etendeka Mountain Camp review

Everything about Etendeka was wonderful. Etendeka offers what we would consider simple, yet luxurious accommodations and great service. The food was absolutely outstanding and they were so kind as to pack a lunch for us on our last day to have on our drive as we made it to our next destination.

While we had many good guides on our trip Bownie was definitely one of the best. His knowledge of the area was truly exceptional providing us information on the history of the area, flora/fauna, mammals, and birds. What we appreciated was that it wasn't just about identifying something so it could be checked off a list but information was received that helped us learn about the habitat and how things worked within it.

The owners, Dennis and Claire, augmented our experience with Bownie providing even more information. We very much enjoyed the family style dinners and appreciated the conversation that went along with them. While not put forth as a planned/scheduled activity, the time spent (an hour plus) being driven into the camp and out were bonus game drives.

A couple of highlights included a day hike with Bownie and an evening of constellation viewing with Dennis. We were provided with water and if we'd wanted a hiking pole for the excursion, part way through we stopped and had a small snack as well. The hike lasted approximately 4 hours and we enjoyed every moment of it. To be able to travel at a slower speed on foot, versus safari vehicle, and to stop to view animals, birds, learn about trees/plants, etc....felt like a gift.

On our second night Dennis treated us to some viewing of the constellations. Neither one of us was well versed in the constellations and it was very cool to see the rings of Saturn and the constellations of Leo, Scorpio, Southern Cross, Pointer, False Cross, and the Big Dipper (a different view than what we see in our northern sky at our home in Alaska). Throughout the rest of our trip each evening we'd orient ourselves by finding the Southern Cross and Pointer.

Etendeka Mountain Camp review

Etendeka is a superb location. The "tented camp" experience was fun, but would have been enjoyed more if the matresses had not been so awful. They really have exceeded their useful life expectancy.

The activities were a little disappointing. We had expected a serious safari outfit, with real attempts to get close to game on foor. In the event the walk was marred by the other guests - slow, noisey and more interested in photographing each other than in the environment (not entirely the management's fault of course) and if we had not seen, after a long and very bumpy drive, the black rhino, the game drive would have been a disappointment too.

In short, we left with the feeling that full advantage was not being derived from the splendid location and the knowledge of the proprietor and his wife.

Etendeka Mountain Camp review

The drive in to the camp was one of the most exhilarating moments of our whole trip. We got caught in a flash storm, and were thankful for our guide Bonny's driving skills as he managed to drive us through and up rivers! At one point we passed a group of eight girrafes stood watching us struggle past.

We were the only people staying at the camp and so we got a very special experience - Dennis and Bonny were excellent hosts and we enjoyed great food and hospitality. The camp was more basic than others we stayed at but the location was stunning and Bonny was extremely knowledgable so it was great to get the opportunity to go walking with him and learn about the wildlife and local plants.

Camping in the middle of nowhere

Our girls loved this camp, even more than the luxurious lodges we had stayed in. The tents felt a bit cramped to us, but it was a real 'safari' experience. The bucket showers worked well, and there was plenty of hot water. Each tent was very private. looking out over the wonderful mountain scenery.

The mountain walk was excellent, with plenty of stops needed for the heat. We were told about plants and rocks and even given a lesson in the local click language. Food was very good, especially as we were so far from a road. More tea and coffee would be good though, as this was only served at breakfast and dinner, with no means of making any ourselves.

We saw 2 leopards during our stay, one sat in the road infront of the Landrover while we were trying to drive back to our car, which had been washed for us while we were away. Also they kindly gave us a large packed lunch as we were driving to Swakopmund afterwards. This was wonderful, as we drove through desert most of the way, with no restaurants en route!

Etendeka Mountain Camp review

Etendeka Mountain Camp is what staying in Africa is all about. You get a real sense of being out in the wilderness. Through the flap of your spacious and comfortable tent, you can see game wandering by, and at night you can hear the animals through the canvas. It is a remote camp, even by Namibian standards, and we saw our best night sky ever here - awe inspiring. It's a well run operation, the owners were good hosts, the staff were friendly, the guide excellent and the food fabulous.

We did a fantastic morning bush walk which was a leisurely 4 hour on-foot safari, and an afternoon game drive. Even after 2 weeks in Namibia, we still found the scenery new and spectacular.

We left the camp wishing we'd booked a 3rd night, however, on our drive back to the pick-up point, we were rewarded with a once-in-a-life-time view of a young leopard, who wandered up to our jeep out of curiosity!

We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.